Residents, faculty achieve success at American Association of Endodontics meeting

School of Dentistry residents, faculty and alumni experienced a successful American Association of Endodontics Annual Meeting this April.

The association’s annual meeting was held in Los Angeles from April 17-20 and featured continuing education, networking opportunities, workshops and more.

During this year’s meeting, W. Craig Noblett, DDS, MS, FACD, FICD, clinical associate professor and director of the Division of Endodontics, was named vice president of the AAE. He called the honor “one of the pinnacles of my service career.”

As vice president, Noblett will complete the work of the Special Committee to revise Cone Beam Computed Tomography guidelines, establish a Special Committee to study artificial intelligence and oversee additional projects.

“Being elected to the office of Vice President is a great honor for me,” reflected Noblett.

In addition to Noblett’s honor, adjunct instructor and alumna Katherine Divine, DDS ’13 and Certificate in Endodontics ’18, received the AAE Spirit of Service Award for New Practitioners.

This award recognizes a practicing endodontist in the first ten years of their career who has demonstrated the “true spirit of leadership.” Given this year for the first time since 2016, this is a special award reserved for those most exemplary.

Divine was honored to win an award for a career she loves—from taking care of patients and relieving their pain to exploring the scientific and artistic aspects of endodontics.

“It was impactful for me to receive this award and recognition for work that I truly enjoy doing, for the intrinsic reward of volunteerism and helping others,” Divine said. “I made a few acceptance comments and encouraged young leaders within our organizations to continue and contribute!”

Several current and former residents made their mark with research presentations. Current residents Blake Clarke, DDS, and Omar Gabr, DDS, held a table clinic exploring methods of removing fiber posts for retreatment purposes. “We compared traditional free-handed techniques such as high-speed handpieces with post removal burs or ultrasonics compared to a fully-guided solution,” Clarke explained.

Clarke and Gabr enjoyed presenting their table clinic. “We enjoyed talking with endodontists from all over the world who were interested in our topic. I particularly enjoyed speaking with residents from other programs who were curious about the proposed technique,” Clarke said. “My biggest takeaway from the AAE meeting is how strong the community of endodontics is worldwide. There are so many brilliant and kind people in our profession, and I am excited to continue learning from them in the future!”

For Dina Mansour, DDS, MS & Certificate in Endodontics ’23, presenting her thesis on bacterial chemotaxis and biofilm formation genes in primary and secondary endodontic infections felt like a homecoming and a full-circle moment.

“It was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and I felt a deep sense of pride in not only sharing my thesis and findings but also representing the University of Minnesota,” she said. “It was a rewarding opportunity that allowed me to demonstrate my expertise while also highlighting the impact of the post-graduate endodontics program at the U of M in shaping my educational journey.”

Regardless of their reason for attending, School of Dentistry community members found the experience enriching and fulfilling.

In the words of Mansour, “It was a comprehensive experience that equipped me with the knowledge, connections and inspiration to further enhance my contributions to the field of endodontics.”